Germany face crunch Sweden clash as Belgium eye knockouts

Germany could face an ignominious first - round exit from the World Cup in Russia

unless they rediscover the form that propelled them to glory in Brazil in 2014 in a

crunch match against Sweden on Saturday.

Joachim Loew ’s defending champions slumped to a 1- 0 defeat against Mexico in

their opening Group F match, paying the price for a calamitous first half in a

performance that drew stinging criticism .

Lothar Matthaeus , the 1990 World Cup- winning captain , said he had not seen a

Germany team “ so weak at a big tournament for a long time” following the loss in

Moscow .

The holders will likely be

without defensive pillar Mats

Hummels due to a neck injury ,

while striker Marco Reus could

be handed a start after a bright

30 - minute cameo off the bench

against Mexico .

“ Everyone is ready to fight for

their lives , ” said forward Timo

Werner , who is again set to lead

the Germany attack .

With 10 World Cup goals to his

name , Germany will also expect

more from Thomas Mueller at

his third World Cup .

“ The pressure is terrifically high , but we won ’ t win both games if we beat

ourselves up internally and look for the mistakes in each other , ” said Mueller ,

with Germany set to meet South Korea in their final match .

Sweden beat the Koreans 1 - 0 to join Mexico at the top of the section , but a

stomach bug prevented three players — Pontus Jansson , Filip Helander and

Marcus Rohden — from initially travelling to Sochi with the rest of the squad.

Sweden are also hoping Victor Lindelof can return after sitting out the opener due

to an illness of his own.

“ This is really what you spend your whole career and life working towards . It is an

extraordinary opportunity to be involved in a World Cup match like this , ” said

Sweden boss Janne Andersson .

“ Whether we knock out Germany is one thing , but we have a chance to qualify

and that is extraordinary . ”

Romelu Lukaku and Belgium can

effectively lock up a last - 16 berth

with victory over Tunisia in Moscow

in Group G, ahead of a blockbuster

clash with England next week.

Lukaku scored twice in a 3 - 0 win

over debutants Panama, and Roberto

Martinez is trying to finally squeeze

the best out of a squad brimming

with talent.

“ The World Cup does not respect

generations , the World Cup doesn ’ t

respect individual names , it only respects winning teams , ” Martinez said .

Mexico head into their showdown with South Korea after a “ milestone ” win over

Germany , but a misstep in Rostov - on - Don would undo all that good work.

South Korea are drawing inspiration from Asian rivals Japan and Iran as they bid

to avoid a premature end to their Russian adventure.